Severus winced at the girlish giggles that were coming from his daughter's room. Perhaps he didn't want her to have female friends after all, what the fuck were they doing in there that required that level of hilarity? And since when did Hermione giggle? It was disconcerting. Not as disconcerting as having Longbottom voluntarily in his house it had to be said. He and Potter were up to god alone knew what too. Still, there was something comforting about feeling like a real parent, hosting his child's friends. He was trying to ignore his confusing feelings of responsibility for Potter. He wasn't quite sure what to do with them. Perhaps he should speak to the Grangers, they were polite enough not to laugh in front of him, even if they thought him ridiculous. About something like that anyway.
He was distracted by a regal looking owl heading for him. It immediately sent tendrils of dread through him. He didn't recognise it and that was never a good thing. Removing the parchment, he recognised the crest. Fuck.
Lord Prince,
It has come to my attention that I have a granddaughter I was previously unaware of. Word through the grapevine is that my daughter has absolved herself of all responsibility towards the girl, but that you have not. I am cautiously optimistic that despite her unfortunate upbringing for the beginning of her childhood, that now that you have taken her in hand, she will be an asset to our Houses.
I am gratified to hear that you have ensured she will be well educated by way of choosing Narcissa and Lucius as godparents. I cannot imagine Narcissa allowing the girl to mix with polite society without the proper instruction.
I also hear that Scion Nott has expressed an interest, rumour has it that Thoros has approached you in regards to securing an agreement between the pair. I strongly urge you to agree. The joining of House Prince, House Fawley and House Nott would be formidable. I cannot imagine that the girl could do better for herself than this. It is, after all, your duty as her paterfamilias to ensure she is well cared and provided for within her marriage. An alliance with the Notts would secure that.
In view of all of this, I wish to arrange a meeting. Owl me at your earliest convenience,
Lord Fawley.
Fuck. Bloody fucking hell. This wasn't good. Fucking Simon Fawley and his prejudiced arseyness. What the buggering fuck was he going to do? He should have done the unthinkable and listened to bloody Thoros when he suggested he reach out first and control the narrative. Now, now he was going to have to do some sort of damage control before the arse was allowed anywhere near Hermione. Bloody buggering fuck!
He moved through the house rapidly, entering the study and throwing floo powder into the flames to call Lucius. He was used to arseholes like Simon Fawley, the man was his bloody uncle, he'd know what to do.
Lucius' face frowned at him slightly from the fireplace.
"Is everything alright, Severus?"
"No." he bit out, "Simon bloody Fawley owled me today. He wants to meet Hermione."
"Fuck." Lucius swore. "Move, I'm coming over."
Severus had to stop himself sagging with relief as he moved to let Lucius come through.
"What the fuck do I do, Lucius?" Severus asked, once Lucius had read the letter.
Lucius sighed, "I think you let Hermione read this and decide." he said bluntly."You knew it was a possibility."
"Yes but….after Ella, I'm not sure how she'll cope with having another relative tell her she's not good enough."
Lucius winced. "All you can do is allow her to make the choice and be there if and when it all goes tits up." he replied softly. "It's one of the less fun aspects of parenthood."
Severus snorted, "There are fun aspects of parenthood?"
Lucius rolled his eyes. "Do not pretend that you do not adore that girl."
Severus sighed at him, "Of course I do. Which is why i do not want Simon fucking Fawley anywhere near her."
"It is not your choice to make old friend. Offer her the use of our house. I'm sure Cissa will do tea. It has been a long time since we hosted Uncle Simon." Lucius pulled a face that made Severus choke on his laughter.
"I'm sure it will be delightful," he drawled.
He sat Hermione down after Daphne left, handing her the letter.
"What do you think I should do?" she asked hesitantly after she had read it.
"I think it is up to you. I am not a great fan of the man but he is your grandfather."
Hermione nodded slowly. "May I think about it?"
"Of course you can. Your Uncle Lucius offered up his house, so you are aware. He said your Aunt Cissa would do a tea. It might….take the pressure off slightly."
Hermione nodded, "I'll think about it. He doesn't sound like he sees me as anything other than a commodity to be haggled over to be honest. Am I wrong?"
Severus sighed, "Not entirely."
Hermione hummed. "I see."
"Hermione, there is no shame in saying no to him."
"I know….but…."
"But?" he prompted when she didn't continue.
"I guess I'm just curious." she said with a shrug. "But the meeting with Ella was awful and I don't know if I can do that again. What happened to Ella's mother?"
"As far as I know she's still alive. I imagine if you agree to meet him, Lord Fawley will bring her. Her name is Annalise, if I remember correctly. I'm afraid I know nothing about the witch."
"Oh." Hermione said softly. "Was she not part of the functions and things that lead you to meet Ella?"
"No. I cannot recall ever meeting her." Severus said with a frown, only now appreciating how strange that was. He had met Simon on numerous occasions, he only now realised that he had always come alone. Come to think of it Lucius never mentioned her either, yet the woman was his Aunt. "I will ask you Uncle." he said finally, "She's family, so he will know."
"Ok. If….if I wanted to meet them, Father, would that be ok?"
He looked at her and frowned, "Of course it would Hermione, why do you feel the need to even ask?"
She shrugged, looking down at her knees. "I didn't cope very well with Ella. I imagine you don't want a repeat."
"Hermione…." he said helplessly, moving to wrap an arm around her. "I told you before, it is quite literally my job to help with this, my girl. It will never not be my job to help you cope with the difficult things in your life. If you want to meet them, then do so. If it results in a reaction like the one after Ella, then so be it. I will be here."
"Promise?"
"Always." he murmured, pulling her tighter into his side.
Severus watched with increasing amusement as Narcissa drilled both Hermione and Harry on their etiquette lessons, both of them looking exhausted as she ran through it for what felt like the thousandth time.
"Once more. Your luncheon at Hogwarts is tomorrow and I will not hand the society matrons gossip fodder." she barked, "Mr Potter! Sit up straight!"
Harry moved automatically, reacting to the authority in her voice as he straightened his spine so quickly Severus had to work to contain his laughter. It wouldn't do to bring the wrath of Narcissa down on him, she was utterly fucking terrifying in teacher mode, he remembered how brutal his own etiquette lessons with the witch had been.
"Now, Hermione, tell me why you wish to patronise this charity?"
He watched as Hermione gave a demure little smile, sipping her tea delicately as if she'd been born to it, even if he could detect the strain in her eyes. She clearly hated this.
"Magical education should be available to all who require it, ma'am. Financial constraints should not be a barrier, it is, after all, not the fault of the children."
Narcissa smiled a cold smile.
"I see. And those who have multiple children they cannot afford?"
He saw Hermione stiffen, understanding the slight against the Weasleys. "They may comment, Hermione," he heard Narcissa murmur, "You cannot allow them to know they've gotten to you."
"Children are an increasing rarity in our world, what better way to ensure they become productive members of society and further old bloodlines than by ensuring their education is the best." she replied, rallying.
"Very well. Mr Potter, do you think living with muggles has hindered you? After all, they are ignorant of our world?"
"While that may be true Lady Malfoy, I have been incredibly lucky to fall under the protection of old families within our world, they are determined to ensure my education is as complete as possible."
"And you do not feel that Hogwarts has sufficiently ensured there are no gaps?"
Harry inclined his head, "Hogwarts is one institution and I have enjoyed my magical education so far but it cannot teach everything."
"Hmmmm."
"Aunt Cissa, will it truly be that awful?"
Narcissa snorted, "It will likely be worse. The older society matrons are vicious, the trick is not to allow them to think they've gotten to you. If you can get in a barb of your own, all the better."
"Wow." Hermione breathed. "Is it too late to refuse to do this?"
"Yes." Narcissa said with a finality that all of them recognised. "Now, go and explore. We've done enough for today."
Not needing to be told twice, the children fled.
Severus took a deep breath as he prepared himself for the next couple of hours. He hated these fucking lunches with a passion and would probably have found an excuse had he not been due to escort Harry and Hermione. It was one of the more popular charities, he knew, which hopefully meant they'd have enough friends around as a buffer to the more vicious of the matrons. Glancing once more into the mirror, he sighed, he'd do. He was never going to be traditionally handsome, although he had to admit, having clean looking hair did wonders for his overall appearance, as did the softening of the lines on his face. Apparently his daughter was better than any glamour spell.
He watched as the children descended the stairs together, Harry in a more relaxed style of mens robes that Narcissa had bought him, the dark forest green surprisingly flattering on the boy, Hermione next to him in day robes of a soft rose pink that made her look every inch the image Narcissa wanted to project. Her hair was held back with jeweled combs he had found in the vaults and around her neck was his mothers necklace.
He nodded at them, "You'll both fit in well. Come, let us get this over with."
They nodded, drawing in deep breaths as they followed him to the floo, calling out for Hogwarts before stumbling into Minerva's office.
"Oh don't you two scrub up well!" Minerva commented as he cleaned them of soot.
"Hello Professor!"
"Are you both ready for this?" She asked, looking slightly concerned.
Hermione sighed, "Aunt Cissa spent all day going over what to expect yesterday and we've been having at least an hour of etiquette lessons from her daily."
Minerva's eyebrows rose, "Both of you."
"Yes Professor."
"Well if Narcissa Malfoy believes you to be sufficiently prepared then I cannot imagine you won't be. Let us go down, you were the only three coming through my floo, everyone else is coming in just off the Great Hall. I know how well your father deals with crowds of people." she smiled down at Hermione, who laughed in return.
"I believe he told Harry he was a social butterfly, Professor."
Minerva choked on air as they exited her office. "Did he now? Well perhaps we shall entice him to more of the staff gatherings then."
Hermione said nothing as she grinned impishly up at him, making him roll his eyes, "You are trouble, my girl."
"And yet you love me." she laughed, shrugging at him.
"Indeed I do." he sighed, pausing before he straightened his spine and slid his mask back into place. He offered Minerva his arm, as Harry copied his actions for Hermione and they walked into the Great Hall.
Azalea Parkinson met him at the door. "Severus! I'm so pleased you could join us, I wasn't aware you were a patron!"
He fought his eye roll at the overly flounced, heavily perfumed woman. "I am not Lady Parkinson, I am merely escorting my daughter and her friend. May I present my daughter, Hermione and of course, you will be aware of Harry Potter."
Beside him he felt Minerva shake slightly as she held in a laugh at the dumbfounded look on Azalea Parkinson's face.
"I had heard the rumours after the Greengrass ball, and of course Pansy mentioned Draco explaining something of the sort" she murmured, "But they are genuinely true? You have a daughter."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Parkinson." Hermione murmured, desperately attempting to remember the lessons Narcissa had drilled into her.
"Oh my! Well look at you child! A Fawley?" she asked curiously.
Severus stiffened, "Her biological mother is Elladora Fawley, yes."
"Oh my! Has Simon met her yet?"
"Not yet," he murmured, desperately wondering how to get out of this conversation.
Azalea looked Hermione over, "I imagine he'll be quite pleased with her."
"Perhaps," Severus replied noncommittally. "We won't take up any more of your time, Lady Parkinson."
The woman nodded thoughtfully, hiding her sneer when her eyes landed on Harry. "I imagine you'll both bring….interesting ideas to the table." she said finally.
"Hermione!" Severus turned automatically upon hearing his daughter's name, spotting a relieved looking Hufflepuff.
"Oh thank goodness, I was beginning think I'd be left with Pansy! Hi Harry!"
"Hi Susan," the boy laughed, "Who else is normally at these things?"
Susan shrugged, "The summer meets vary as so many are off on holiday, Christmas and Easter is really when you get to see everyone. I'm sure Neville usually comes to this one but he's not here yet, Pansy, who is glowering in the corner, Astoria Greengrass, Ernie MacMillan, Lavender Brown, the younger Carrow twins, Hestia's alright but Flora's a bit of a nightmare, Adrian Pucey, Cho Chang, Cedric Diggory, Marcus Flint, Sophia Crouch. Ugh that's all I can remember off the top of my head. I try to block these things out. Aunt Amelia insists on my attendance."
Hermione laughed, "We know the feeling,, Aunt Cissa insisted we come, even Father won't say no to her."
"It's true then?" Susan's eyes went wide. "Professor Snape is your dad?"
"Yes," Hermione replied with a shrug, "He's nothing like he pretends to be in a classroom."
"Wow." Susuan breathed, glancing over at him curiously, "You know I think being a parent suits him, he looks…younger? Is that possible? And less cross."
Hermione snorted, "See, you can compliment him without inadvertently telling him he's hot!" she said, turning to Harry.
Harry paled, spluttering,"Hermione! You promised you'd never mention that!"
Hermione was giggling as Susan looked at them in confusion. "Harry informed Father that he was almost attractive and complimented his body. On a beach, while he was wearing Gryiffindor red trunks. It was the funniest thing I think I've witnessed in a long time."
Susan laughed, "Good Godric! And Harry's still alive?"
"I believe they both promised never to bring it up ever again."
"So did you!" Harry whined.
"Consider it payback for the flying lessons I've been subjected to since you informed Uncle Lucius I couldn't fly."
Harry had the grace to look sheepish. "Fine. But for the love of Merlin, please! Please don't tell anyone else!"
"Fine. I promise, even if you do say stupid things!"
Susan was outright laughing at them now, "Sweet Merlin you two argue like siblings!"
Harry shrugged, "We sort of are."
Susan frowned slightly, "Even if that made Professor Snape your dad?"
Harry froze before he shrugged again, "To be fair, he's been more like a parent than anyone else so far. "
He missed Hermione's contemplative look. Severus who had been valiantly trying not to listen into that particular conversation, did not. What the hell was his daughter planning now? What was he going to do about Potter? He sighed, acknowledging the truth of the boy's statement. Poor sod if he was the best parental figure he had on offer. He put away the awkward feelings to be dealt with later, it wouldn't do to lose focus now.
"Come and meet my Aunt." Susan was saying as she dragged Hermione and Harry over to Amelia Bones. Severus contemplated staying put before deciding Cissa would murder him if he got on the wrong side of the Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and following the children across the room.
"Aunt Amy, this is Hermione Granger and Harry Potter, Harry, Hermione, my Aunt Amelia."
"Madam Bones is the Director of the DMLE," Severus supplied, seeing Hermione freeze attempting to work out how to address the woman.
"It's lovely to meet you Madam Bones." Hermione replied, relieved.
"And you." the woman frowned, "Hermione Granger? Forgive me, Susan has spoken of you, I was under the impression you were muggleborn?"
Hermione gave a wry smile. "I was adopted, Madam Bones. The Heritage Potion revealed my biological parents at the beginning of the last school year."
"I see." Amelia said slowly, clearly not seeing at all.
"Hermione is mine, Ameila." Severus cut in watching as the witches eyes widened.
"Yours, Severus?"
"Yes."
"Sweet Helga. That's…unexpected."
"For all of us." he said with a wry smile.
"You didn't know?"
"No. I did not. Ella did not see fit to inform me."
"Ella? Elladora Fawley?"
"That would be her."
"Wow." the woman blinked at him, before looking him over. "I must say parenthood suits you, Severus. I have no idea what the girl has done to you but I approve."
He fought the urge to blush. Bloody infuriating woman. Beside him the children stifled a laugh; he didn't like the calculating gleam in his daughter's eyes.
"How did you come to be in the company of Harry Potter?" Amelia asked, a knowing smirk on her face.
He rolled his eyes, bloody woman always did enjoy unsettling him. "He and Hermione are friends. He has been staying with us this summer."
Amelia's eyebrows hit her hairline. "Harry Potter…..James Potter's son has been staying with you this summer?" she asked faintly.
"Indeed. Do try to keep up, Amelia, one would have expected the Director of the DMLE to be able to grasp such concepts on the first try."
Amelia rolled her eyes, "Forgive me if the concept beggars belief, Severus."
"He's been pretty awesome actually," Harry piped up with a small shrug, a look of mischief in his eyes as he shared a look with Hermione. "Took me to the beach and made sure I had a birthday party and everything. You should see him in trunks, Madam Bones, he looks like a completely different person."
Both Susan and Hermione choked on a laugh as Amelia mouthed "birthday party" and "trunks" as if the words didn't make sense.
"I have pictures!" Hermione laughed from beside him. Little sodding traitor. What were they playing at? Fucking hell. He wasn't sure wanted to know.
"Pictures?" Amelia spluttered.
"Of Father on the beach. I didn't think anyone would believe us otherwise."
"Father." Amelia said faintly before she laughed, "I think you might be right, Hermione. I cannot picture Severus in anything other than his usual armour of unrelenting black. Even at school he avoided colour."
"There will be no need to correct that vision, Hermione." he said, his voice dangerous. The little witch just smiled up at him guilelessly. When the fuck had he stopped being fucking intimidating.
"Of course, Father. Gods forbid anyone should see you as human." she replied with a slightly indulgent roll of her eyes. What the fuck was happening? What had he missed? The children were clearly up to something.
"I am not human, my girl. I thought we had established that. I am the bat of the dungeons."
Hermione laughed, wrapping an arm around his waist and leaning into him. "You, Father, are a marshmallow wrapped in black armour."
Amelia and Susan choked as he rolled his eyes at her. "And you, my girl, are trouble."
Hermione merely grinned up at him, unrepentant, "Love you, Father."
"And I you, my girl."
In front of him Ameila looked as if she had no idea who he was any longer. He supposed it was one way to unsettle people. He'd take it. Apparently Hermione had decided he had no choice.
Severus internally rolled his eyes as the sit-down potion of the meeting got underway. The knives were out in force; he had somehow been maneuvered into sitting next to Amelia, with Hermione on his other side, and already he had heard four of the society matrons he detested question her parenting abilities given the responsibilities of her job. He was impressed she hadn't hexed any of Amelia, Susan was tense. He couldn't blame her. Across from him Marriane Yaxley spoke, her voice carrying over the chatter, "So the rumors are true, Severus?"
His head jerked up at the sound of his name. "What rumours, Madam Yaxley?"
"Your progeny is well known, my nephew commented on her abilities in her first year. Raised by muggles was she not?"
Beside him Hermione stiffened, "Hermione's parents are dentists." he replied blandly.
"Hermione's parents are a Potions Master and a Fawley." the woman replied sharply.
Severus inclined his head. "Two of them. The other two are dentists."
"You recognise them as the girls' parents?" the woman gasped, "I was led to believe that you'd taken the girl in hand. Indeed, her very appearance here suggests that you have!"
"Hermione is staying with me for a portion of the summer." he allowed, "However, she is in regular contact with her muggle parents, after all they are the ones who raised her for the first thirteen years."
The woman sniffed, "Perhaps. But blood will out. No muggleborn could be as powerful as the girl is rumoured to be. Top of her year, if everythings to be believed."
"You do not think that the daughter of two learned muggles has the ability to be intelligent?" he asked scathingly. "Magical ability aside, make no mistake, it was the Granger's who fostered a love of learning and gave her the opportunities to access it."
The woman looked utterly scandalised, it was only then that Severus realised that a hush had fallen over the room. For fucks sakes. Bloody nosy women.
"I cannot imagine the Malfoy's being supportive of that." One woman called, "They are the girls' godparents are they not?"
There was a murmur around the room as those who hadn't known that processed that information, looking at Hermione keenly.
"They are. Both have met Hermione's muggle parents." he replied, taking a deliberate sip of his tea. He half expected the more traditional matrons to gasp and clasp their pearls at that statement.
"Simon wont allow it."
"Simon has no say in how I raise my daughter." Severus bit out, pinning Celeste Carrow with a glare. The woman paled but rolled her eyes.
"I hear Thoros is pushing for a contract. I cannot imagine that will be allowed to stand."
"Then isn't it fortunate that I have no intention of allowing any contracts before Hermione comes of age."
"You've turned down Thoros Nott?" Celeste looked scandalised. "Do you not realise what an opportunity it would be for the girl? Good Gods Severus, they say you're meant to be intelligent. A half-blood tied into an Ancient and Noble House! She will not get a better offer!"
"I did." he replied, utterly unmoved. "I couldn't care less if Hermione married a muggle as long as she is happy. I will not tie her into a contract on the basis of advantageous matches."
"Good Gods." the woman breathed looking utterly flummoxed. Beside him, he thought Amelia looked faintly approving. Minerva definitely did as she hid her smirk in her tea. Damn woman, she had better not have laced hers and not offered him any! This was more fucking awful than he remembered. Perhaps it was time to start carrying a flask.